Adam's Top 50 Artists of the Here & Now 2012! [02]

[Spartan]

VV's had some great songs, and The Hoosiers are brilliant (and underrated)!

[steophonic]

Well Frankmusik, Hoosiers and VV Brown are all great! I'm surprised you haven't put VV Brown higher actually!

I don't own any of the albums but love "Confusion Girl", "Unlikely Hero" and "Shark In The Water"!

[Blondini]

Paloma's great and Frank of course. Hoosiers i used to hate but now like!

[UKMusicLova]

FrankMusik is a great dance/pop singer! He has a few great songs and I am excited for his 2nd album! "The Fear Inside" is great.

Paloma Faith's debut was a real soul classic! Such a classy album!

Beverley of course I love although I'm starting to fall out of love! I didn't love 100% and the whole covers album thing is a bit off putting.

Bublé is sexy and has a gorgeous voice! I like it when he does the original pop songs more than his covers.

THe Hoosiers are cool. I like all of their singles and well I've met them so woooo!

VV is fantastic! I prefer her work as VV than as Vanessa Brown but I think her 3rd album is going to be THE ONE!

[king_oxymoron]

Thanks ladies and gents! Into the top 20!

20. (13) DAUGHTRY

Slipping seven places but staying in my all-important top 20 are American Idol rockers Daughtry. Lead singer Chris found fame when he placed 4th on the massive US hit show and then went back to his band who he brought with him to the world of stardom. And what a good decision, selling absolutely millions of their debut album. What's great about Daughtry is that they are incredibly consistent. The level of songwriting across both albums is of a very high standard, merging catchy, radio friendly-hooks with credible elements of rock music. And Chris' voice certainly helps, a deep, gritty voice designed for rock music.

One of only two acts in my top 20 that I'm yet to see live, probably because of their lack of success here - I really hope they give it another push because we have been know to buy music from very similar acts here in the UK. Having been on American Idol and proving himself a very proficient live performer, I imagine this is only bettered for having his band onstage with him and moving away from karaoke numbers onto genuine, credible, self-written material. I would really relish the chance to see them play!

MY DAUGHTRY TOP 5
05. It's Not Over
04. What About Now
03. Breakdown
02. Open Up Your Eyes
01. Call Your Name

Check out my top 3, album tracks 'Call Your Name', 'Open Up Your Eyes' and 'Breakdown' by clicking on the covers.



19. (-) THE SCRIPT

Now another light rock group who have made their name by being exceptionally consistent, using an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' formula. Danny and his boys had massive success with the self-titled debut album which was a masterclass in tracks made for radio, falling into the singer-songwriter vein without being so laid back, subtle and percieved as boring that they didn't work for the mass public. These were karaoke songs of the future, songs to fill the radio waves for years to come and songs that appealed to folk of all ages. And when the second album, 'Science & Faith' came out, it was more of the same - and as a result, unlike bands that tried to switch up their style (ie, the Hoosiers), the success was more of the same too.

Having seen the Script live I can't say they are the best live band I've ever seen or that Danny is the greatest vocalist, but it really is in the material that the strength lies. If you like album 1, you'll like album 2 - simple. It covers similar ground but the nice thing about it for me was that while the vocal was often quite monotone on album 1 (and it worked, don't get me wrong), he explores new areas with the vocal on the second record, sounding a lot more rocked up at points (I likened him to Bono at points, although also to Westlife's Shane Filan at others). Great music for driving to!

MY SCRIPT TOP 5
05. Exit Wounds
04. Rusty Halo
03. If You Ever Come Back
02. End Where I Begin
01. Walk Away

Check out my top 3, album tracks Walk Away, End Where I Begin and If You Ever Come Back by clicking on the covers.



18. (28) BEYONCE

Now I'm not much of a diva person. You'll find a few females with big voices dotted about the list but the likes of Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, etc don't usually make a huge impact on me besides loving a few of their songs. This lady is one of the BIG exceptions, I am a total massive Beyonce fan! I genuinely think she's the most talented person in the world - there is nothing I have seen from her that she cannot do! She amazes me! Her biggest talent though lies in performance and more specifically, singing. She has simply one of the best voices in the world and on top of that, she's not just a voice, she's an entertainer. Many of the greatest vocalists are wonderful behind a mic stand, but can they come out and put on an all-singing, all-dancing energetic show? Not many.

It's been clear Beyonce is a star for a long time, I always loved Destiny's Child, and this is the first time in the history of my list that Beyonce has overtaken her old group in my favourite stakes (a lot to do with them simply not being around anymore I guess). For many years it was actually Kelly that came closest to being my favourite - so this is the first time Beyonce comes out on top. She took a lead role back then and is showing why now - she was born to be a superstar. You don't become Forbes highest earning star for nothing, huh! I think she's also really likeable and appears very grounded and down to earth - I just really love her and appreciate her talents SO much!

MY BEYONCE TOP 5
05. Work It Out
04. Ring The Alarm
03. Green Light (Freemasons Remix)
02. Smash Into You
01. Upgrade U

Check out my top 3, album tracks 'Upgrade U' with the brilliant Jay-Z, 'Smash Into You' and remixed single 'Green Light' by clicking on the covers.

[Tiger]

19. (-) THE SCRIPT

Nice but were better

[steophonic]

Love The Script who have released more great material this year. Beyonce was great last year and obviously her appearance on "Telephone" was great.

I find Daughtry a bit boring though. Might be since Westlife covered their song to be honest....

[UKMusicLova]

And obviously her helping Alexandra win helped too!
Ha only joking! I adore Beyoncé. I saw her on the I Am...Tour and I can safely say it was the best concert I have ever been to. She's so incredible.
Great to see "Smash Into You" in your top 3 - it's my favourite Beyoncé song.

The Script are my favourite band probably! I adore all their songs and I love Danny's voice too! Both of their albums have been top notch.

[Spartan]

The Script are decent, and I love Duaghtry's What About Now.

Beyoncé is a solid artist and I'd completely agree with this:

Great to see "Smash Into You" in your top 3 - it's my favourite Beyoncé song.

[abi]

Beyonce Giselle Knowles.

[Fan]

The Script are fantastic, I actually got both of their albums yesterday and can't wait to listen to them. I'm still obsessed with For The First Time.

And Beyonce is a star. I have all her three albums, but she really surprised me when I saw her I Am... Tour on the television recently She is an absolute incredible performer.
The only thing is, that I totally disagree with your favourite Beyonce songs.

[king_oxymoron]

Thank you, let's see the next batch!

17. (41) PARAMORE

SO it's a massive leap for a group who have become one of my favourite rock outfits. It's probably typical to expect a credible rock band to have a male lead singer - as wrong as that might be, but I think the fact this is the general concensus really makes Hayley Williams and her band stick out. As a female lead she doesn't lack any of the punches pulled by her male-led rivals and is so credible and authentic as a lead singer. She also has a voice that could put most of them to shame, combining gritty vocals with at times very haunting and delicate ones.

Having had the chance to see Paramore live this year (just, I drove like a madmen, paid for taxis I couldn't afford and RAN into the arena just as they played their first song), I can confirm they put on a particularly brilliant live show, and it's here you realise just how good her vocals are. 'The Only Exception' with the crowd singing along with their phones in the air was a particular highlight.

I first realised I liked Paramore when somehow I heard Misery Business. My mate Jim was really liking the song too, and we heard a bit more and got very excited about plans to go and see them - and then we saw a magazine saying they'd split up. Damnit! Fortunately for us they were young (can you believe Hayley only just turned 22!!) and had a rethink, coming back with (for me), their strongest album, with more rock stompers in the vein of Ignorance, and some of their most mature material ever (see: The Only Exception). I'm keen to see them again when I'm a bit more comfortable, ideally in a festival setting, but who knows what the future holds given that two members have announced intentions to leave. All I can hope is that Hayley and her wonderful talent are backed up by more people who believe in Paramore and can continue giving us great rock material.

MY PARAMORE TOP 5
05. Playing God
04. The Only Exception
03. Fences
02. Misery Business
01. Ignorance

Check out my top 3, album track 'Fences', and the two massive singles 'Misery Business' and 'Ignorance' by clicking on the covers.



16. (36) SUGABABES

Here's a potentially controversial one given that it's a 20 place rise for the Sugababes... since Keisha's departure. I think probably actually that the last time I did this list Catfights & Spotlights (for me their strongest set) hadn't been released so they would probably have risen anyway, but it's no secret I think that this new line up is their strongest yet and has untold potential if they are given the chance. Let's get one thing straight, Sugababes have always been a strong girl group. You only have to look at my favourite song of theirs (Run For Cover) to see that. But I preferred Heidi to Siobhan, Amelle to Mutya and Jade to Keisha so for me, the talent in the group just keeps getting better. I really hope they are given the chance to work on something a lot more organic and that people listen to how strong they are as a vocal group when they (hopefully) return.

Anyhow, I've always been in Team Sugababes above Team Girls Aloud and I think all the 6 girls have contributed massively to the group. You only have to look at the exceptionally strong Overloaded to see great singles throughout all eras (and yes I know Jade has none on there, Smart Alec's!). Songs from Run For Cover, through Freak, through Caught In A Moment, through Red Dress, through About You Now through Wear My Kiss have shown the girls having continued success with strong material, a record I hope they can continue.

I have had the pleasure to see the Sugababes twice, both under the new line up. Both times I left the gig with the BIGGEST smile on my face, largely because the girls were having such fun and it was infectious. Heidi was always my favourite member, but my friends obsession with Jade meant she was up there too, and when I saw them the second time Amelle said 'Ooh we like you! I love your hat!' so I pretty much love them all equally now Their voices are incredible, their harmonies are the best ever (Rabbit Heart in the Live Lounge is my favourite performance they EVER did) and their voices are all so pleasant (I couldn't always say the same of Keisha, who I consider a bit squealy). I truly believe if they get the material RIGHT (and Run For Cover/Too Lost In You would be a prime sort of place to start), Sugababes can reign again, there is BAGS of potential. Even on Sweet 7, songs like Little Miss Perfect and No More You worked so well for 4.0 - more of that please!

MY SUGABABES TOP 10
10. Now You're Gone
09. Ace Reject
08. Bruised
07. Little Miss Perfect
06. Never Gonna Dance Again
05. Can We Call A Truce?
04. Caught In A Moment
03. No More You
02. Mended By You
01. Run For Cover

Check out my top 3, album tracks 'No More You' (from Sweet 7), 'Mended By You' (from Change) and single 'Run For Cover'by clicking on the covers.



15. (-) ELLIE GOULDING

Now it's one of the bighest new entries of the list, and it comes from my 'Artist of the Year' for 2010, the beautiful Miss Ellie Goulding. To be honest, I wasn't that fussed about her to begin with. I liked 'Starry Eyed' and must have been growing to like 'Guns & Horses' when I purchased 'Lights'. I thought it was okay, gave it a few spins but nothing further than that. It was at V Festival this year that she hit me. I believe she was on between Jason Derulo and Robyn, so I thought I'd stick around to see her. SO glad I did. As with our very own Tom, who was in the same tent, I was blown away and SO surprised by it all. Such confidence, such flawless vocals, such amazing material that very much smacked me in the fact in a way it hadn't before. I came away from the weekend thinking she was the absolute highlight.

When I got home, I played it again, and BOOM, I was in love. My favourite album of the year. So when she announced we didn't even have to wait til album 2 for what is practically a new album (the re-release Bright Lights) I was overjoyed. It's almost as strong as Lights itself, with 3 tracks among my very favourite of hers (though 3 towards the bottom - no bad thing, I like every song she's done). 'Lights' in particular I have become absolutely enamoured with, so I'm very glad it's the next single. Bright Lights totally affirms Ellie's place as my No. artist and album of last year. She might even have had the No.1 single if Lights had been released at the original time, though I'm glad 'Your Song' has done wonders for her.

I think she's an absolutely gorgeous woman with a stunning voice, a great attitude and a wicked sense of humour. So glad I discovered her music and that Frankmusik, another of my favourites, told her that to be a singer songwriter doesn't mean you can't experiment with production - she has come along with one oy my most treasured albums!

MY ELLIE GOULDING TOP 10
10. Wish I'd Stayed
09. Guns & Horses
08. This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)
07. Your Song
06. Starry Eyed
05. Believe Me
04. Little Dreams
03. The Writer
02. Your Biggest Mistake
01. Lights

Check out my top 3, beautiful single 'The Writer', album track 'Your Biggest Mistake' and next single 'Lights' by clicking on the covers.

[Fan]

Not too keen on Paramore.

Even though I've always been Team Girls Aloud, the Sugababes were among my favourite pop acts aswell. They have so many good songs and especially Catfights & Spotlights is a classic. Great to see Cann We Call A Truce is your top 10, what a stunning song!
Having said that, I'm one of the people who have kinda lost their interest since Keisha left/Jade came.

Ellie is absolutely amazing. Stunning debut album and definitely one of the best albums released last year.

[Blondini]

Yay Ellie!

Babes are now a shadow of what they were and Paramore are very over-rated in general (i've liked a few singles a lot but bought the first two albums and found them seriously lacking; nothing from the current album has grabbed me though Ignorance is OK).

[steophonic]

Wayyy "Run For Cover" is your favourite Sugababes song too. Shame "Too Lost In You" didn't make your top 10 - it's nearly as amazing. Oh and "About You Now". Actually they are just great full stop.

Ellie is gradually winning me over for her cover of "Your Song" and appearance on Tinie Tempah's track.

Not a big fan of Paramore though.

[Tiger]

15. (-) ELLIE GOULDING
16. (36) SUGABABES

Ellie Goulding is average in my eyes... Sugababes haven't done anything good since AYN

[Wayne]

Ellie is magic.

[Spartan]

Paramore and Ellie have had some good songs.

I used to love Sugababes (not as much as the superior GA obviously) but they've gone downhill musically in my opinion. I don't really care about the revolving door of line-ups to be honest. They could use three tramps from the street and it woudln't bother me.

[king_oxymoron]

Thanks guys, moving through the next lot so we can reach the top 10 now!

14. (09) JAMES BLUNT

Having seen James Blunt first as a support act to the great Sir Elton John, I was an immediate fan. Catchy tunes mixed with other beautiful material made for a wonderful set which I probably raved about more than Elton's headline showing. I got the album from the merchandise stand and was a fan from then on. I never expected him to make it big though. One day though his album cropped up at the back end of the UK top 75... I was delighted. Then it rose.. and rose... and rose. I believe I'm right in saying it became the biggest selling album in the UK of it's decade. Phenomenal.

With each album since, sadly James has sold less and less, but he remains for me a brilliant musician and songwriter who still has some relevance in the UK music scene. Thankfully he's not been a total flop. After liking but not loving his second album, his third set made me really fall in love with him again. Not so near to the heart wrenching songs on his debut, indeed it's a lot happier, but the level of songwriting and particularly production is much stronger in my eyes, and it's a stronger set throughout than the second. I really enjoyed it.

I've seen James a couple of times now and would really like to see an appearance from him at this years Glastonbury or V Fest.. it's been too long! A man who deserves more credit these days.. still one of my favourites!


MY JAMES BLUNT TOP 10
10. No Bravery
09. Wisemen
08. So Long, Jimmy
07. These Are The Words
06. Billy
05. Out Of My Mind
04. If Time Is All I Have
03. I Really Want You
02. Goodbye My Lover
01. Carry You Home

Check out my top 3, singles 'I Really Want You', 'Goodbye My Lover' and the STUNNING 'Carry You Home' by clicking on the covers.



13. (-) JAZMINE SULLIVAN

Next up is a very high new entry from an artist I first heard about through this site, and more specifically our very own Carly. She and others were really raving about this artist, and trusting her judgement as I do, when I saw her 'Fearless' for £6.99 in HMV, I got myself a copy on impulse. SO glad I did. It is an exceptional, closing in on flawless, debut. It went on to become my favourite album of the year and made me into a really massive Jazmine fan. I went to see her live at the Jazz Cafe and despite the very long wait, her actual set didn't disappoint. Attitude, soul and an incredible vocal, I was really impressed. Her songwriting skills didn't go unnoticed either, earning her a whole set of Grammy nominations, which was massive for a debut CD.

It made me really anticipate her second CD, 'Love Me Back', and while I was initially disappointed, a lot of the material really grew on me. It was always going to be nigh on impossible to compete with Fearless but a few of the songs on the newer set are right up there with the best songs on the first. I do think she can do better but when she set herself such a high standard she's always going to have a reputation to live up to! Sadly Jazmine recently put something on her Twitter about taking an extended break from music.. I really hope she changes her mind as her output so far has been superb, especially for a girl so young, and I WANT MORE!

MY JAZMINE SULLIVAN TOP 10
10. Dream Big
09. One Night Stand
08. After The Hurricane
07. Lions, Tigers & Bears
06. 10 Seconds
05. Call Me Guilty
04. Redemption
03. Switch
02. Love You Long Time
01. Bust Your Windows

Check out my top 3, album tracks 'Switch' and 'Love You Long Time' and the amazing single 'Bust Your Windows' by clicking on the covers.



12. (08) NATASHA BEDINGFIELD

Next up a slight fall for one of this country's brightest exports. Sadly as a result of her success in America (success that has tailed off very significantly of late) she has left the UK behind and sort of forgotten us, releasing two albums over there in the time that we've had nothing on these shores. This may well be the reason for the drop. What I can't deny is the sheer talent of this lady - creative without being pretentious or fake, experimental, witty and above all an exceptional vocalist and songwriter. It's to her testament that she does 'quirk' (songs like These Words and Touch) as well as she does songs of exceptional beauty (I Bruise Easily and Soulmate). Her Greatest Hits collection will really be very great indeed.

Having seen Natasha around 3 times, she never fails to blow me away. Even when I watch on TV I am always impressed by her energy and soaring vocals, whether it's her tender singing vocals, or the 'almost-shout' that she's mastered. I truly think she is one of the best female artists this country has to offer and even above some of those I have left to chart, one of the best shots that UK music has at being a mainstream success abroad. I hope she can pull it back - she's still being given some great opportunities in the US so hopefully with the perfect song she can ressurect what is a faltering career over there. If not, I'd be VERY happy for her to come back and dominate here again. I'm confident that with if she came here and released 'Touch', she'd be back on everyone's lips and at the top of the charts again.

MY NATASHA BEDINGFIELD TOP 10
10. Backyard
09. No More (What If's)
08. How Do You Do?
07. Touch
06. Pocketful of Sunshine
05. Unwritten
04. Pirate Bones
03. I Bruise Easily
02. Soulmate
01. Stumble

Check out my top 3, beautiful singles 'I Bruise Easily' and 'Soulmate' and the US only track 'Stumble' by clicking on the covers.



11. (05) ESTELLE

Estelle is a funny one - always been one of my favourite artists but never been too sure why, as she's not from one of my favourite genres. However I've supported her since the start of her mainstream journey with 1980, meeting her on the launch day of her album 'The 18th Day' - I won't drag up the photo this time! Since then, she's had some great singles, even a taste of massive success (with American Boy) and signed an American contract which she remains signed to now, despite not being signed in Britain. You have to respect Estelle, despite never having the greatest of track records, she really lives the life. I reckon she must have filmed 20 odd music videos for songs she's been vocally involved with - and yet she's only ever had one top 10 here in the UK (and in the US) - unless you count her involvement on Band Aid 20

But this is also partly what annoys me about her. She COULD have big hits here, but she doesn't DO anything except work in the studio. She records, puts the songs out and expects them to sell without promoting them. 'Freak' was such a good shot at another hit for her, and fair enough radio didn't really support it, but if they don't, you come and support it yourself! It's a huge club number, and could have been a huge chart hit here too if she'd come and put the work in. Same goes for 'Fall In Love', you can't put a song out on the back of a flop and JUST because it sounds a bit like American Boy, expect success. She didn't even come to the country! This is why Estelle is a bit out of favour with me right now.

Still, what's undeniable is the talent. A great soul voice, and she's in the unique position of being an artist who can sing AND rap competently. Wyclef once described her as 'the new Lauryn' because of her ability to do both those things as well as write and produce. Really, there's not a lot musically Estelle can't do - she just needs to put the same work in outside the studio as she does in it. She's also been on some really big features - and why they weren't hit's I'm clueless, especially Guilty As Charged (with Gym Class Heroes) and One Love (with David Guetta) which seemed like hits waiting to happen. I hope with the new album to see Estelle back here in the UK promoting, maybe with a chance to see her at a festival again. Live, she is one of the funniest acts I've seen live as well as being a top live singer and rapper... come back PLEASE!

MY ESTELLE TOP 10
10. 1980
09. Freak (with David Guetta)
08. American Boy (with Kanye West)
07. Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)
06. Go Gone
05. World Go Round (with Busta Rhymes)
04. Shine
03. Free (with Megaman)
02. One Love (with David Guetta)
01. In The Rain

Check out my top 3, singles 'Free' and 'One Love', and my No.1, sadly album track In The Rain isn't available! ' by clicking on the covers.

[Tiger]

12. (08) NATASHA BEDINGFIELD
14. (09) JAMES BLUNT

I have to say that I absolutely love James Blunt lately and yes his new album is phenomenal it would seem

[Spartan]

Natasha would be in my Top 3 most likely .. she's amazing. Although, you've described your Top 3 Ellie Goulding songs, instead of Bedingfield's!

[abi]

I missed Natasha Bedingfield. <3

[Play]

Beyonce is expected, you know

James Blunt, Natasha Bedingfield and Daughtry makes your chart stand out

[Fan]

Natasha is sensational. These Words is probabaly still my favourite Natasha song to date, but she has so much more - Wild Horses, Unwritten, Put Your Arms Around Me, Say It Again, Pocketful Of Sunshine and I could go on and on.
Really hope she will get success again because she is way too talented to be ignored.

James' voice really annoys me, but he has released some very good songs. Especially 1973 and Stay The Night.

Don't really know Jazmine and don't really care for Estelle, except for American Boy.

Edit: I've actually just listened to Some Kind Of Trouble on Spotify and I'm impressed, it's a pretty good album! I don't know what's happening but I think I'm starting to like James a bit Superstar really stood out for me, besides Stay The Night.

[king_oxymoron]

Aw really glad of that man! It's great you're checking out some stuff just cause of me! Thanks for your comments all, any more would be GREAT! Into the top 10 soon!